The idea that to make a man work you've got to hold gold in front of his eyes is a growth, not an axiom.

We've done that for so long that we've forgotten there's any other way.

We've made a world where that's necessary.

Let me tell you"-- Amory became emphatic--"if there were ten men insured against either wealth or starvation, and offered a green ribbon for five hours' work a day and a blue ribbon for ten hours' work a day, nine out of ten of them would be trying for the blue ribbon.
That competitive instinct only wants a badge.

If the size of their house is the badge they'll sweat their heads off for that.